How did it begin? In the fall of 2016, Lyle Meeres suggested starting a writing group through CARTA. After consulting with Robin Carson, the editor of ARTA’s news and views magazine, ten interested retired teachers met and discussed ways to incorporate Robin’s suggestions. Lyle set the plan in motion.
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Our first meeting on January 16, 2017, was attended by Mernie Alderson, Dianna Martin, Lyle Meeres, Darlene Shuya, Wayne Nylin and Edna Warriner. At first, we met in members’ homes, to write and share what we’d written. We would each bring a piece we’d written and each of us would tell the author what we liked and what worked; or we would ask for clarification, if need be. Eventually, sharing reviews of novels we’d read became a part of the meetings and Lyle motivated members with writing exercises to challenge and improve each members' craft.
Later, the group met at Timberlands Library and the meetings were opened to the general public. In spring 2020, when COVID put an end to in-person gatherings, weekly google meets were set up to support our writing.
In spring, 2022 we began to cautiously meet in person once again, dressed for the weather, under the trees on lawn chairs at the Red Deer Museum.
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Presently we meet on alternate Tuesdays at 2 pm at the MAG (Museum and Art Gallery). Over the years, Inkblots has published five books: 2 adult anthologies, 3 children’s anthologies, and a poetry chapbook.
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Though members have come and gone over the years, our love of writing continues. Inkblots has remained a very caring, supportive group.
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We hope you will join us.
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A Hole in Our Hearts
by Vonda Peterson & Kelly Neville
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The search for the son who didn't know he was lost.
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Vonda has a secret. After becoming pregnant in her teens, Vonda hides her pregnancy from her parents and put her child up for adoption. For forty years, she imagines what his life must be like. Even after marrying and having two more children, she celebrates his birthday every year. She keeps this secret from her children until she can't any longer.
But will her family accept the truth?
